Romanian is full of colourful expressions that don’t always translate well - but that’s what makes them so entertaining. Here are some of the funniest idioms you’ll encounter, along with explanations to help you understand (and maybe even use) them.
1. "A da cu barda-n balta"
A da cu barda-n balta
/a da ku ˈbar.dan ˈbal.ta/“To hit the swamp with a hoe”
This phrase describes someone making a pointless effort - like swinging a hoe into a swamp, where it’ll just sink without achieving anything. It’s the Romanian equivalent of "flogging a dead horse."
2. "A face pe balaurul"
A face pe balaurul
/a ˈfa.t͡ʃe pe baˈla.u.rul/“To play the dragon”
When someone acts overly dramatic or pretentious, Romanians say they’re "playing the dragon." Picture someone puffing themselves up like a mythical beast - it’s not a compliment.
3. "A se uita ca vițelul la poarta nouă"
A se uita ca vițelul la poarta nouă
/a se uˈi.ta ka viˈt͡se.lul la ˈpo̯ar.ta ˈno.wə/“To stare like a calf at a new gate”
This describes someone gaping at something with blank confusion - like a calf seeing a gate for the first time. Use it when someone looks utterly bewildered.
4. "A avea cap de pușcărie"
A avea cap de pușcărie
/a ˈa.ve̯a kap de puʃ.kəˈri.e/“To have a prison head”
A humorous way to say someone looks like they belong in jail - whether because of a shifty expression or just bad luck with haircuts.
5. "A pune botul"
A pune botul
/a ˈpu.ne ˈbo.tul/“To put the snout”
Literally "to put the snout," this means falling for a trick or believing something naively. Imagine a dog sniffing at something suspicious - that’s the vibe.
6. "A trage pe dreapta"
A trage pe dreapta
/a ˈtra.d͡ʒe pe ˈdre̯ap.ta/“To pull to the right”
This idiom means to straighten up or behave properly - like pulling a crooked object back into alignment. It’s often used when someone finally starts acting responsibly.
7. "A fi cu capul în nori"
A fi cu capul în nori
/a fi ku ˈka.pul ɨn norʲ/“To have your head in the clouds”
A poetic way to call someone a daydreamer. If you’re "with your head in the clouds," you’re probably not paying attention to reality.
Pro tip: Idioms often reveal cultural quirks. For more linguistic oddities, check out our guide to 7 timeless Romanian proverbs or funny Hebrew idioms for comparison.
8. "A se da rotund"
A se da rotund
/a se da roˈtund/“To give yourself round”
When someone contradicts themselves blatantly, Romanians say they’re "giving themselves round" - as if trying to argue in circles.
9. "A umbla cu morcovul"
A umbla cu morcovul
/a umˈbla ku morˈko.vul/“To walk with the carrot”
This means to tease or dangle something just out of reach - like leading a donkey with a carrot. It’s often used in romantic or professional contexts.
10. "A-i veni cuiva apa la moară"
A-i veni cuiva apa la moară
/a.i ˈve.ni ˈkuj.va ˈa.pa la ˈmo̯a.rə/“For water to come to someone’s mill”
When luck suddenly turns in someone’s favour, it’s as if "water has come to their mill" - a reference to old watermills that needed steady flow to function.
Romanian idioms are a mix of rural imagery, historical references, and pure cheek. Next time you hear one, you’ll know whether to laugh or duck for cover.
